Watch the Real Madrid and Real Betis match in the Spanish League

Real MadridReal Madrid will host Real Betis this Saturday in a high-stakes match at the Santiago Bernabéu, part of the final round of the La Liga season.

Despite having secured the La Liga title several rounds ago, this match holds significant importance for Madridistas. It serves as the final rehearsal for the team before facing Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley early next month.

Match Significance

Real Madrid aims to maintain their physical and tactical readiness, fine-tuning their strategy ahead of the major European final. This match will provide coach Carlo Ancelotti an opportunity to test some tactics and prepare the players optimally, especially considering the standout performances of many team members throughout the season.

Additionally, the game offers a chance for Ancelotti to assess the form of some substitute players who might play crucial roles in the Champions League final. For Real Madrid fans, winning this match would be a testament to the team's hard work all season and would boost the players' morale before the decisive Champions League encounter.

Currently topping the table with 94 points, Real Madrid is determined to win this match and put on an impressive performance to reassure their supporters before the highly anticipated clash against Dortmund.

Recent Form and Challenges

Real Madrid enters the Betis match in high spirits, having not lost in any competition over the past four months. This period includes six wins out of eight matches across all competitions. However, their task will not be easy as Betis is looking to finish the season on a positive note after losing 2-0 to Real Sociedad in the last round.

Betis has shown decent form recently, with four wins, two draws, and two losses in their last eight matches. The team aims to keep a clean sheet, something they have managed only once in their last eight games, conceding at least one goal in the remaining fixtures.

League Standings and European Qualification

The final round of La Liga won't affect the European qualification spots, as they were settled in the previous round. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, and Atlético Madrid have secured their places in the Champions League, while Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad will compete in the Europa League. Real Betis will participate in the Europa Conference League.

Relegation Battle

The relegation battle has also concluded, with Almería, Granada, and Cádiz confirmed to drop to the second division.

Real Madrid's Preparations and Player News

The match against Betis is particularly important for Real Madrid fans, despite the La Liga title already being secured. It's the final tune-up before facing Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final. Real Madrid has 94 points and hasn't lost in any competition in the past four months. On the other hand, Betis aims to finish their season on a high note after a recent loss to Real Sociedad. Betis has achieved four wins, two draws, and two losses in their last eight matches, and they hope to keep a clean sheet in the upcoming game.

Toni Kroos’ Successor

Reports from Spanish media have revealed that Real Madrid has decided on a replacement for their German star Toni Kroos, who will officially retire at the end of this season, following the UEFA Euro 2024. According to AS, two players are being considered to succeed Kroos in Real Madrid's midfield: Manchester City's Rodri and Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich.

Rodri has a contract with Manchester City until June 2027, meaning Real Madrid would need to negotiate with the English club to acquire his services. Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich's contract with Bayern Munich expires in June 2025, and he has yet to agree on a new deal with the Bavarian club.

Kimmich is also linked with a possible move from Bayern Munich, with Barcelona showing interest in signing him, which opens the door for Real Madrid to attempt to secure him as a potential replacement for Kroos.

Kroos’ Farewell

Toni Kroos is set to bid farewell to the Santiago Bernabéu this week against Real Betis, with his final match for the club being the Champions League final at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund.

During his ten seasons with Real Madrid, Kroos has won 22 titles in 463 matches, including four Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and four Spanish Super Cups.

In addition to his achievements with Real Madrid, Kroos was part of the German national team that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He also collected numerous titles with Bayern Munich, including one Champions League, one Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, three Bundesliga titles, three German Cups, and two German Super Cups.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming match between Real Madrid and Real Betis is crucial for Madrid fans, serving as the final rehearsal before the Champions League final. It will be an opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti to test tactics and prepare the team, while fans look forward to a strong performance that will boost their confidence ahead of the major European showdown.